Vizio TVs at CES 2010: 3D, Internet apps, built-in wireless, and a monster 72-inch LCD
Apparently no longer content to be just a low-priced TV supplier, Vizio has jump-started the CES TV announcements by unveiling an ambitious line-up of higher-priced models with step-up features, including 3D technology. It also announced a mammoth 72-inch LCD TV that will be priced at $3,500. The models in the new XVT Pro Series sets all feature 3D capability, faster (480Hz) frame rates, LED backlights, wireless HDMI, built-in wireless networking (802.11n), plus a unique Bluetooth remote control with a slide-out QWERTY keyboard for use with Vizio’s Internet applications (dubbed VIA).
The company also announced a new 58-inch “Cinema Wide” model that can display content in a wider 21:9 aspect ratio.
The flagship set is the 72-inch XVTPRO720SV, which includes the 480Hz technology, a full-array LED backlight that has 480 separate zones that can be locally dimmed, and built-in wireless networking. Other models include the $2,500 55-inch XVTPRO550SV, and the $2,000 47-inch XVTPRO470SV. All these models are slated to arrive in August.
XVT PRO sets have slim designs (less than two inches deep), and include Vizio’s 480Hz SPS anti-blurring technology. We’re not yet sure how this is accomplished, but our best guess is that it combines a faster frame rate with a scanning backlight to achieve a 480Hz effect, similar to how some brands achieve a 240Hz effect.
In addition, all have built-in wireless networking for Vizio’s VIA online platform, plus the new remote that includes a slide-out QWERTY keyboard, which should make it easier to search online applications. Other common features include built-in Wireless HDMI, so the TVs can wirelessly receive HD content from a cable box or Blu-ray player if they’re connected to an optional Wireless HDMI adapter, and SRS StudioSound surround-sound technology.
All the sets are 3D-ready, using 3D technology from Sensio, which when used in conjunction with optional active LCD Bluetooth shutter glasses from a company called XpanD, can provide separate 1080p video streams for each eye. Vizio says its TVs can display 3D images from Sensio-encoded material on conventional DVD and Blu-ray players, as well as from TV service providers when they begin broadcasting 3D content.
The new 58-inch Cinema Wide model (XVTPRO580CD) is designed to enable viewers to watch movies shot in the increasingly common 2.35:1 aspect ratio without having black bars above and below the picture. The set features a 21:9 aspect ratio, plus a resolution of 2560×1080p, so there should be no loss of resolution when the wider images are displayed. The set sports a brushed aluminum finish and many of the same features found on the other models, such as the VIA Internet apps, QWERTY remote, and built-in wireless. The set will ship later this year, but no specific date has been set.
Vizio’s announcement is the first in what is expected to be a steady stream of 3D TV announcements over the next few days, so keep checking our blog for updates on CES news.
—James K. Willcox